Way back in June Jennifer Cole from Golf World called to asked me to do a full page illustration of golfer Rocco Mediate. The job died a quick death because they went with a photo. Still, Jennifer said she’d like to do something with what we had started. Maybe towards the end of the year. It was midsummer and business wasn’t slow, but it wasn’t really a crushing schedule either, so I just chalked it up to the way things happen sometimes in this business and moved on. To my surprise Jennifer called back in August ready to make good on the idea of having me do all the illustrations for Golf World’s end of the year Newsmakers issue. I was excited about biting off a big piece of work heading into the fall. When Jennifer sent me the first list of illustrations I’d be doing, I swallowed hard and buckled in for some long days and nights.

As I worked on what would end up being 16 pieces (full pages, spreads, spots and a cover) the world around us was changing drastically. The election was wrapping up, and the economy had gone to hell. News of magazines and newspapers shutting down or going out of business was everywhere, and here I was with tons of work. In addition to this particular job, the phone was ringing more than usual. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bragging about how well I’m doing while so many people are hurting. Rather I’m just thankful to those clients old and new who have continued to see the value of illustration. Maybe there’s something about illustration that’s more “fun” than photography. Maybe I’m just cheaper than a photo shoot. I’d like to think the world has finally realized how incredibly charming I am, and that I’m as loyal as a puppy.

Whatever the case, thanks to Jennifer for this huge job. It was a lot of fun.

I was looking at a great Chuck Close book around the time I did this one....

Dale -
great work on that Greg Norman, and I love the Obama cover for Mother Jones (going to post that soon?).
You're not alone - despite the economy, I have never been so busy with illustration jobs. I hope it lasts - it's a blast.
Kyle

Tim OBrienJanuary 5, 2009

Solid all around.
Man, that's a bear of a job for Golf. I now know who to suggest next time someone asks for a cast of thousands.
I see Maria and our own Stauffer. Anyone else?

I heard Brian realized how incredibly charming you are and decided to pose for this - because of that. Thats the inside dope.
Vijay is powerful. And watch out Chuck! A great Norman.

Dale StephanosJanuary 5, 2009

Thanks for the kind words guys.
Kyle, I'm glad things are going well for you too. I hope we all stay busy. I'm a fan of your work by the way. I'm posting the Mother Jones cover this week. Thanks for asking.
Tim, recommend me all you want, I like to stay busy despite the "What the hell have I done" sensation I have when I hear myself say yes to jobs like this.
There were more of you guys in here - Tim, Tax, Flaherty and a few more but I cropped you guys out. Looks like Stauffer is the only guy around here to get to be angry with me.
Christoph, Vijay was my favorite as well, thanks.
John, Stauffer has taken a contract out on me because of this. If I show my face south of the Mason Dixon line he'll hear about it and I'll get two in the hat.

Chris BuzelliJanuary 5, 2009

Dale - That Greg Norman piece is killer! Congrats! And the Brian Stauffer portrait is hilarious.

Tim OBrienJanuary 5, 2009

Am I the blue guy?
Yikes

Zina SaundersJanuary 6, 2009

It always looks like you have entirely too much fun doing these mammoth jobs, Dale!

Dale StephanosJanuary 6, 2009

Chris, thanks. The Norman piece allowed me to indulge in my slathering ways.
Tim, the blue guy is not you. But he could be your cousin. You were in front of Stauffer, but he must have shoved you out of the frame at the last second.
Zina, I do have fun with these. Like I said, I enjoy doodling.

Scott BakalJanuary 6, 2009

Congrats on a great job and they designed around them wonderfully! It really makes the work look good.

Brian StaufferJanuary 6, 2009

My attorney will be in touch! I have a "must show birthmark" clause in my modeling contract. It's part of my sponsorship from a local plastic surgeon (I'm the "before" picture model).

harryJanuary 6, 2009

Dale,
the detail around the eyes of that Norman piece is astounding-and the composition and cropping is pro.
And on work load. I'm glad you and others are steaming ahead. I've been waiting for the recession to come knocking. Aside from a slow week just before Christmas I've been consistently busy but just holding my breath. Busy this week though.
Have you figured out how to connect your trainer and work table. Must be a way.

Peter CusackJanuary 6, 2009

Charming and loyal, just like my springer spaniel . . . very funny. These are awesome. Congrats on being so busy. Top notch work!

Harry CampbellJanuary 6, 2009

Could have sworn I posted to this post really early this morning. I think I'm being censored. Anyway, great work Dale, hope you get this.

Toni GFebruary 12, 2013

I know Jennifer she's very talented and a good persons. She obviously saw that in you too. That is an amazing thank you note! Good karma to both of you!

Toni GFebruary 12, 2013

I know Jennifer she's very talented and a good person. She obviously saw that in you too.
That is an amazing thank you note! Good karma to both of you!